Video-on-demand services including Channel 4’s All4 and Sky’s Now TV will be regulated by broadcast and communications regulator Ofcom.
Currently TV-like services delivered over the internet are regulated by a separate body authorised by Ofcom, the Authority for Television On Demand (ATVOD), which follows similar rules. These rules will still apply, but be overseen by Ofcom.
The change, which will come into force in January will mean more resources are available to cover video-on-demand issues.
However, taking on ATVOD’s responsibilities is unlikely to mean a significantly increased workload for Ofcom, as ATVOD only covers TV-like services based in the UK, such as those run by UK broadcasters and smaller niche services. Most of the body’s work to date has concerned adult content.
TV services delivered over the internet from outside the UK, such as Netflix, are not covered by ATVOD, and YouTube, even when used to post content by UK broadcasters, also falls outside its remit. However, Amazon Prime Instant Video, which is delivered via the company’s UK subsidiary, is covered.
